AQW 52796/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/09/2026
Answered On Date: 08/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any assessment his Department has made of the accessibility of the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme for older people, who do not have access to, or are not confident using, digital services; (ii) whether the needs of digitally excluded older people were considered as part of the Scheme's equality screening; and (iii) whether he will review the application process, in light of difficulties experienced by older applicants.

Answer:

Those claimants who require assistance with making an application to the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme, can receive support through a dedicated telephone helpline, Jobs & Benefits offices, the Make the Call service and the Veterans Support Line NI.

My Department designed the application process to include a telephone line for claims, providing an accessible alternative for those unable to apply online.

As applications can be made online or via telephone, and a wide range of support is available, I have no plans to review the application process.